Watchdog to probe police officer arrest
THE INDEPENDENT Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is to investigate the actions of West Yorkshire Police officers following the arrest of a man in Halifax.
Video footage showing part of the arrest in Spring Hall Lane on August 16 was shared widely on social media and shows the man being restrained on the ground by officers.
After receiving a voluntary referral from the force, the IOPC is now independently investigating the incident.
IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We can understand why the images circulated have caused considerable public concern and we would like to reassure members of the community that we have taken the decision to independently investigate this incident after West Yorkshire Police made a voluntary referral to us.
“An investigation has now commenced to ensure that we are able to fully understand what happened. It is vital that we are able to impartially determine the facts.
“We have already begun to gather evidence but we would like to speak to anyone who was in Spring Hall Lane in Halifax at around 3pm who may have witnessed this incident.”
West Yorkshire Police has suspended the officer.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Osman Khan said: “We are aware of a video circulating showing the arrest of a man in relation to assault offences.
“We immediately reviewed the footage and looked into it as a matter of urgency to establish the full circumstances.
“We have reviewed the actions of the officers involved and a referral has been made to the Force’s Professional Standards Directorate.
“Our investigation remains ongoing and we have made a voluntarily referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
“The man arrested was released under investigation.”
It is vital that we are able to impartially determine the facts. Miranda Biddle
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